As a Salem-Keizer Public School community, we have grown through some challenging times. We continue to have the opportunity to show up for each other. Pain is not always noticeable and someone experiencing emotional pain can often feel isolated. People who experience depression may appear angry, irritable, withdrawn, and/or quiet. If there is any concern, lean in, trust your instincts, and ask yourself, “is this behavior different for this person?” Your show of care and concern may help someone experiencing suicidal thoughts. Asking “are you thinking about suicide?” opens the door for a caring conversation about how someone might be hurting and how you might be able to support.
What is QPR?
“QPR” means question, persuade and refer.
Question: How to ask about concerns for suicide;
Persuade: How to Persuade someone to get help (we want to keep this simple and not provide an opportunity for guilt if someone has been impacted by suicide);
Refer: Refer them to resources that may help someone through a crisis
Register for Virtual Suicide Prevention Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Trainings
Some important considerations
- It is important to acknowledge where the person is at, honor the individual’s experiences and vulnerability. Hold space for feelings of hope.
- Reaching out to others to ask for help is not a weakness — and in a society where most people are reluctant to ask for help, asking for help is a sign of strength and confidence.
- Social connectedness improves physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Social connectedness increases one’s sense of belonging, boosts self-esteem, provides access to sources of support, and reduces the risk for suicide.
- It is important to remember that most people experiencing suicidal thoughts do not die by suicide, many experience healing and personal growth.
As we lean into our strengths and lean into each other as a community, we can create a pathway to hope, strength, and healing.
Salem-Keizer Public Schools values the mental wellbeing of our school community and recognize the importance of partnering in suicide prevention. School counselors are available to provide support to students and families regarding mental health and suicide. They can assist in coordinating in-school and community support. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out and contact your school counselor and/or some of the helpful resources below
Crisis hotlines / Estado de crisis
For immediate assistance / Para asistencia inmediata: Call 911
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Red Nacional de Prevencion del suicidio: 1-888-628-9454
- Polk County Mental Health: 503-623-9289 or 503-581-5535
- Marion County Youth & Family Crisis Services: 503-578-4673 and Psychiatric Crisis Center (PCC): 503-585-4949
- Lines for Life-Suicide Hotline: 800-273-8255 or 877-968-8491
- Oregon Youth Line: 877-968-849; Text: “teen2teen” to 839863; Email: YouthL@LinesforLife.org; Chat at oregonyouthline.org
- The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386; Text START to 678-678; or start an online instant message on thetrevorproject.com – provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention to LGBTQ+ youth.
- Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860 or visit translifeline.org – a hotline staffed by transgender people for transgender people. Trans Lifeline volunteers are ready to respond to whatever support needs community members might have.
- Veterans Crisis Line: veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals is available.
